Craft sale moves to KAC

It's a new beginning for the thirty-eighth annual Gambier Craft Sale, which will take place on Sunday, December 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Kenyon Athletic Center (KAC).

The popular sale, held for many years in Wertheimer Fieldhouse, had to scramble for new quarters three years ago after the fieldhouse was demolished. The KAC promises a brighter, more spacious venue for the event, which, as always, is modeled on the Austrian theme of Christkindlmarkt , an Old World tradition that brings the community together, often in the village square, for shopping, celebration, and refreshments.

Prizes encourage the artisans to dress in traditional costumes and to decorate their booths. Everything presented-candles, ornaments, dolls, jewelry, centerpieces, toys, furniture, and much more-must be handcrafted by the vendor. Prices are modest, according to organizers Victoria Baumann, Elizabeth Emmert, and Joyce Klein; even children and consumers on a tight budget may find treasures to give (or keep).

Returning artists include the Coleman family with their hand-blown glass; John Hollingsworth, who makes mountain dulcimers, harps, and limberjacks; and Cole Crafts, featuring fine furniture. A wide assortment of locally made cakes and sweet treats will be available as well.

New to the sale will be Julia Dawson's handcrafted tin items, including cookie cutters, Christmas tree decorations, and cake-pan grids; Eileen Shivak's handmade chainmail, metal work, and beaded items; Sarah Smith's freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal, and precious metals; Sally Daniels's hand-beaded necklaces and earring sets of semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls; and Janet Kenney's Thai silver, crystal, and stone items. Also, Ruth Treen will bring wearable fiber art, dolls, and jewelry featuring a fifteenth-century Japanese weaving technique as well as seventeenth-century Native American beading.

The members of Psi Iota Xi will offer refreshments, both light snacks and more substantial fare for lunch. There will be free parking, and the building is handicapped accessible.

Enjoy a classic Gambier tradition-but don't be late, the organizers caution. Lines begin to form before the doors open.